Did you ever here people say "we felt like we hit a brick wall ?" Preachers use these words when they feel like their sermons are not received. They usually will say that without any feedback. It is probably a topic discussed over lunch between the preacher and their spouse. Musicians also use these phrases when describing their performances. The audience sends signals back to the musicians that has a language of its own.
These perceptions come from training most of the time. Unspoken interaction between the audience and the presenter. There is a host of reasons why this takes place. From a musical stand point here are some reasons cited. Poor choice of songs; wrong song in the wrong order; lack of passion in the music; the audience was in a bad mood. Etc: Etc
Consider now this simple scripture:
I want to emphasize this portion of this scripture....By my God I can leap over a wall.
The honest truth here is that our perceptions are generally true. We also already know this dynamic is happening early into our presentation, but we have no recourse or plan of action to change the "flop" that is about to occur. So we continue just the same.
Innate Problem
We have failed to recognize what God is doing while we are essentially positioned as heavens ambassadors, chosen messengers for that appointed time. We have chosen models of presentations by others hoping for the same result. Songs that affected us personally in our quiet time did not translate the same in our presentation.
Discovery Process
I discovered this in a season in my life when I was teaching adult Sunday School in the mid 90's. I initiated teaching as was expected, but during my dissertation I noticed a heightened level of the Holy Spirit presence in the room. My eyes examined the room for clues that others may have noticed that special presence as well. I discerned a witness of that. In my mind I asked God, "now what? "
In my training by the "teacher," that has always been a good question with God. It opens the door after you hear him knocking. When you open doors for Him to come in...He comes in. The rest then is up to you. Your teachability in the realm of the Spirit or lack of will define the outcome of what has now become "a visitation !" This is the time when you must recognize that HE can do what obviously you cannot do. That is what you should ultimately want because He'll get results that are way... way past human ability.
The scriptures are loaded with these type of interactions. The most notable New Testament example is Jesus confession when asked how He does what He does.
For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak. (John 12:49 NKJV)
C O N C L U S I O N
The walls we face in life and ministry present contrast to the promises of God and His desire to be with us. This contrast needs interaction on our part so that we contend with God's Words. In doing that we pull down those walls to the place that we can now simply place our hands on top them and just leap over them while leaving those walls in our rear view mirrors.
Selah - rest in God's generous forgiveness
